The ABC’s of Crafting on a Budget – Letters U-Z

I have really enjoys the ABC’s of Crafting on a Budget series! I am sad to see it come to an end, but I hope that you have found some new inspiration and are excited to go make crafts with your kids. If you are just joining us, then you will want to catch-up by going here to find all the entire ABC’s of Crafting on a Budget posts. We are now on Day 5 and we will be looking at the last and final letters of U-Z.

U is for…Upcycled Crafts

By now you have all guessed that I love anything and everything that is made from upcyced or recycled materials. Check out this inspiring list of crafts that can all be made by re-purposing something that you already own.

I love making games for kids, and this simple Sock fishing Game is perfect way to upcycle up those socks that have lost their match.

This DVD Coloring Case is a perfect way to re-use all those empty DVD cases that you have laying around. They are perfect size for putting in your putting in your purse for on the go drawing.

Turn a pair of outgrown tights into an adorable Circle Cushions that your kids will love. Perfect project for learning how to sew.

This simple Easter egg upcyced into Light Up Fireflies. These would be perfect for your next backyard party, or camping craft.

This Skateboard Swing is the perfect way to turn your dusty skateboard into something wonderful. My kids would love to have this awesome Swing in our back yard.

V is for…Value Craft Kits and Where to Buy Supplies

Crafts supplies can be found all around us. All it takes is a little imagination and the willingness to use what you already have on hand and get a little creative with the process. Traditional craft supplies can get expensive, so here are a few tips and tricks to stretch your dollar.

The dollar store is one of my favorite places to shop for kids craft items. Check out this amazing list including 100 Things bought at the Dollar Store. It is a comprehensive list of items that are prefect for frugal crafting and play.

After Christmas, I grab all the green, red, and white sequins and jewels for use on other holidays (St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, winter celebrations). The after Christmas discount sales always seem to be the cheapest. Also, buy in bulk where you can. It works especially well during all the school sales. Check the back to school flyers and stack up on glue sticks, markers, crayons etc. You can often find items for a quarter of the price(sometimes even less) than normal.

You also might be surprised to learn that garage sales are a wonderful place to look for craft supplies. People think that they are going to do a project, buy all the supplies and then never find the time. I love that about people because it means that they sell it on their garage sale for REALLY cheap. Sometimes you can even find great items in the free bin. You never know what you are going to find. I love a good treasure hunt!

The best tip I can give you is to actually just organize and reevaluate your supplies. You may be surprised to find a few items that you forgot about hiding in the back of your cupboard or drawer. I don’t know how many times I have purchased something only to find another bottle a few weeks later. It pays to be organized, plus it just feels good!

Harness a bit of the suns energy and create a simple Solar Oven with your kids. They will love watching their

X is for…Xylophone (DIY instruments)

Your kids will have a blast making their own musical instruments. Check out these wonderful list of creative homemade instrument ideas that are easy to make and all use items that you probably have in your home right now. Why not make them all and create a band!

This simple Popsicle Stick Harmonica is so easy for kids to make and the best part is that it is portable. It is also a fun craft to build with a group of friends.

Check out these adorable Click Clack Crocodiles. They are perfect addition to any band, but sound beautiful on their own.

Y is for…Yea Forts

Kids love forts! I am always amazed that a simple box or blanket can transform a regular room into a castle, a fairy house, a pirate ship or any where your kids want to go. Let your kids lead the building process, they have a wonderful imagination for where the pillows, blankets and boxes need to be placed. Check out this inspiring list of forts you can build with your kids.

Building a backyard fort for kids transforms your space into something wonderful. Kids love snow forts but check out this Colored Ice Igloo. What a fun and magical winter space.

After your done reading the paper, hand it over to the kids to build an amazing Newspaper Fort.

Tips: Give your kids a flashlight or a couple of glow sticks to explore their new space. Forts are a great place to read stories. Match the book with the style to fort…ex. if you built a castle, then read about a knight or a princess, if you built a boat then you might want to read a story of a pirate.

Create a fun area in your home that is designated for your kids crafting supplies or area to do homework. Kids love having a special space that they can call their own. Check out these inspiring craft zones all set for your kids to get creative in.

Check out this adorable Flip Down Wall Art Desk. It is the perfect project if you are short on space and still want to give your kids a creative space to call their own.

Pegboard works great in a kids space, and it is relativity inexpensive. I love this simple Kids Craft Area.

If you are looking for a simple Portable Art Desk for your little one, then you will love this one. I love that it is made from recycled materials.

Transform an Old Cupboard into an organized area to contain all your kids art supplies. I love the idea of having all your supplies tucked out of sight, but available.

I have really enjoyed this ABC series of Crafting on a Budget. If you have missed any of the series, click on the below links to catch up. Each post is packed full of wonderful, inexpensive ideas on how to craft with your kids.